Nkhata Bay, Malawi


Hi All. We have now been staying in Myoka Village in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, close to a week. This is by far the longest Todd and I have stayed in any one place during our trips over the last 6 years and its our first proper vacation. The lodge is built into a side of a hill and has direct access to the bright blue and clear Lake Malawi. Our new friends, Nick and Clare - we met them in Tanzania - arrived a few nights after us and over the last few days we have spent countless hours swimming, reading and relaxing. The country is pretty poor and while we both feel bad about not spending more money we are doing a good job staying in budget (and making up for Tanzania where we spent more than expected).

Yesterday was the first somewhat eventful day. Todd took a carving lesson from one of the local artists and we spent a long afternoon with his family hanging out outside of their house and learning to play bao. Here in Nkhata Bay most of the roads are not paved and we had to use small paths to get to this man’s house. The house was a simple small hut with lots of chickens and ducks running loose. While Todd was carving away the artists wife taught me to make nsima - a stiff porridge they eat w everything - you roll a small amount into a ball with your hand and use it to scoop up a meat or fish. The whole day was an amazing experience and we got to see what day to day life is like for these folks. Their house was tiny and food was prepared on their front porch on an open fire. We then all set on a small blanket spread out on the ground to eat our delicious lunch.

So far Africa has been great and for the first time my name is easier for people to prounounce than Todd's - they all listen to Tatiana Ali! This started in Tanzania where people speak Swahili - and pronounce every letter - so Todd became Tod-d (sounds like Toddy) Bo-Oney. It has been fun listening to Todd spell our his name to confused locals and after the first week he has given up on the second "d".

While we are spending longer in Malawi then we originally expected we know that we can’t hide away here for long. So we will probably be moving on to Zambia next week - but not before we catch a ferry to Likoma and Chizumulu - the two beautiful islands - where we plan to spend a few days.

Love you all – T&T

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 28, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    Love your Kilimanjaro picture! Seems like you guys were freezing your back sides :) Reminds me of our climb to Machu Picchu - we slept fully dressed (with hats), snuggled up, keeping each other warm. I remember feeling guilty about all the single climbers - it pays off to have a partner to keep you warm :)
    Love your comments with details. Please post more photos if you have time... Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownApril 2, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    Hey guys - Looks like you are having a wonderful time and are going to have so many stories to tell. I can't wait to hear them and hopefully will have the opportunity to met up with you both at some point along the journey.

    Love,
    David & Jason

    ReplyDelete
  3. EmilyApril 3, 2009 at 8:29 AM

    ummm Madonna is in Malawi trying to adopt kids. Maybe she'll adopt you guys :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Joel BooneApril 7, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Word up snoop! Glad you guys are posting up a bunch... gotta keep us snaps in the loop yo!

    LG and Mer are having tons of fun as we are at the baseball diamond four days a week. Eiler actually says "yes" now and is the size of a four year old.

    We are super busy with work and looking forward to spring break. I love you and miss you a bunch.

    -jaybee

    ReplyDelete

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